Kitson Wines, Outside The Box

Kitson’s Delicious Dozen

Independent Thinkers All

Kitson Wines, outside the box, are exactly why I was delighted to have them become a client. I’ve had an extensive wine career, so someone new is refreshing. That’s exactly why I was delighted to have them become a client. I’ve had an extensive wine career, so someone new is a breath of fresh air, along with Phyllis Zouzounis at a similar time. Two passionate winemakers, two very unique and different stories. I’ve written about Phyllis Zouzounis, Zouzounis Wines, and now it’s time to introduce Kitson wines. It’s the first time and it won’t be the last time I’ll be sharing their news.

Digression: I started in a tasting, room in 1993 knowing nothing about wine, except I enjoyed it. I was quickly sent to the marketing department, became the PR director, and finished in sales of seven states with Belvedere Winery. Next I went to Mondavi Winery as an educator, but three trips around the building, after have been to 41 states of travel, I craved more. (And I do have to say, Mondavi was the most wonderful job, because Robert Mondavi still floated about his winery.) I then became a PR director for a sizable winery in the foothills, but just as it ended… so began Covid.

That’s when I took the time to start my own business, nine years after my wine career began. And the spectrum of clients has been really long, launching small brands, usually just starting. This is different, though. The Kitsons’ aren’t launching. They really just need to remind people that mostly anyone can afford their great bottles of well-crafted wines, at an exceptionally reasonable price.

Kitson Winery Home Page

Kitson’s Needs

First, I went right to their home page. I fell in love with the image above. Brand Kitson makes their wines. Svetlana Kitson documents the process with images and social media. This couple is right up my alley. I have found so many partners that fit the bill of it takes two to tango. And, the dog, who doesn’t love a winery dog! All the elements from vine to viticulture, to barrel aging, to grapes and winemaking, to supporting each other every step of the way. Note that Brad’s hands weren’t hermetically sealed for beauty in his photo. My kinda people.

The Kitsons’ needs are pretty common for a small brand, but there is a significant twist. To begin with, Brad loves creating wines to perfection, which is why he studied winemaking at U.C. Davis. But that’s not the twist, yet. He’s so focused on wanting to make this and that, like others, perhaps, but tha’s still isn’t the crux. It’s about his pricing. The Kitsons are not on the spectrum of “how expensive can I make it.” They’re on the other side of “how affordable can we keep these wines, so more people get to taste really lovely wines, while more people can also afford them.” This is rare, really, like scrumptious Wagyu beef.

And Challenges

It became challenging to get the word out to more than their usual database they’ve developed; consequently, it became apparent that they needed to expand their outreach. Brad and Svetlana were also very proficient in developing their own site. And with Jose’s web design background, he and Bad have been tweaking and preparing for prime time. I’ve also been slowly and thoughtfully tasting (and enjoying) a dozen wines released. And I’m with Svetlana, I can talk and write about their wines. Some absolutely fantastic varieties exist. I’ll explain those first, so you understand the need for artistry, a bit of obscurity, and perhaps some interesting new varieties for you to savor.

Tasting Eclectic Varieties

I’ve tasted through all 12 of their wines. That took time, because I slowly and individually experiences each one, over the days of life for the bottles. I’m really intrigued on how wine changes from one day to the next, how much acidity and tannins are lost in the process, and how well it holds up. Putting them in the refrigerator is crucial until the bottle ages out.

I’m honestly over tasting through an assortment of wines arriving and just snapping to speed taste and pouring the rest out. It’s such a waste of good wines. Wine is so personal, it evolves, and it’s not a marathon for me, because I have a superpalate. This means that I have more taste buds than the average person. It’s not a blessing, it seems to be a curse. I’m now like Fred Rogers, I Like To Take My Time, which is advocated in his song, I, too, need to take my time.

New Varieties For Me

I tasted the two wines below, both from Yolo County Wines. On the east side of Napa County, Yolo County is known for Rhone varieties. Rhône River, and by extension the Rhône wine region, are intertwined with Greek history and culture. The source for this ancient history can be found at Etymonline. And the source mentioned elevation. This is why I like to connected history to a wine variety, with it origin of terroir, and in this case the Malvasia Bianca (below) thrives in elevation. The result of this is always unique and distinctive flavors and styles. And, so we have…

Kitson Wines Malvasia Bianca, Yolo County 2023

Starting with this white wine ~ Kitson Wines Malvasia Bianca ~  It’s a great conversation starter, and so the connection between wine, culture, and people begins to define and associate that moment of antiquity. The grapes were grown in a higher elevation in Yolo County, similar to it’s Greek origin of the variety. In my notes I wrote: That’s what the Malvasia Bianca from Yolo County 2023 is for me.

It has a light, straw-yellow color, with a hint of something akin to honey, and even straw that would be dried. But due to it’s color, I just knew it was complex, becasue it  filled my mouth and delivered quite a bit of flavor. That was my first impression, and I let it continued to grow on me for the next few days.

Allowing a bottle to age over a few days reveals new layers of flavor and complexity. I found ripe fruit, nuts, and spices, with a slightly sweet finish. Have fun experimenting with wine, as it evolves as a wine you’ve uncorked. And, I can tell you this, Kitson Wines evolve beautifully. Can you imagine all this for a suggested retail price of $15.00? If you sign up as a member, it further reduces with email offers.

Kitson Wines Teroldego, Yolo County 2022

Next is this red wine ~ Kitson Wines Teroldego ~ This variety has never been in my playbook, either, but then Italy boasts more than 1,300 different grape varieties in total. I know it’s bound to be one of the most diverse wine-producing countries in the world, so Teroldego? Yeah, put that on my list of grape varieties to taste. I’m closing in on 200 different grapes, but it’s been so long since I added a new one. From here, I’m going to add it, because every aspect of wine is a learning curve for me. It’s a vocation and an ever-expanding lotus.

What it tasted like was really unique. The variety hails from the Italian Alps in its Italian terroir. Yolo County has a variety of growing in the Dunnigan Hills area, giving it a natural terroir. It is bold, and demanded my attention. Never having it tasted it before, I had to think hard. Black cherries and immense tannins. The acidity was bright and reminded me of the mountains I saw while in Italy. I thought California had tall mountains, until I went to Italy, Double most here, and some can be tripled. Imagine grapes living in such chilly conditions. This grape variety can transport you closer to this reality.

This is just the beginning of these really delicious wines. I shall return with more of Kitson. I haven’t yet scratched the surface!

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Written by Jo Diaz, a partner of Diaz Communications, who is helping to make stars realize their dreams. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz: [email protected]